The discussion revolves around the methods and concepts used to determine the size of the universe, particularly focusing on the distinction between the observable universe and potential infinite expanses beyond it. Participants explore various analogies and calculations related to scales in physics, including comparisons of atomic and cosmic sizes.
Participants generally agree that discussions about the size of the universe typically refer to the observable universe, but there is no consensus on the implications of infinite size or the accuracy of the analogies and calculations presented.
Some calculations and comparisons made by participants depend on specific assumptions about scale and may not account for all variables involved in cosmological measurements.
Yes. This will typically be what someone referring to "the size of the Universe" means.Lunct said:Is it just the observable universe?
ThanksOrodruin said:Yes. This will typically be what someone referring to "the size of the Universe" means.
Lunct said:I constantly hear facts like, if an atom was enlarged to the size of the solar system, a string would be the size of a tree. But how are we able to calculate the size of the universe if it may be infinite? Is it just the observable universe?
if an atom was enlarged to the size of the solar system, a string would be around the size of a atom
I watched a documentary and it said tree, I admit I was a bit surprised - I thought they would be much smaller. An atom makes so much more sense.stefan r said:Plank length 1.6 * 10-35, hydrogen atom 2.5 * 10-11 difference is around 1024
Hydrogen atom 2.5 * 10-11, solar system 1013 difference is around 1024
That would mean if you would enlarge an atom to the size of the observable universe, the Planck length would be equivalent to the size of around two hundred pinheads.stefan r said:Plank length 1.6 * 10-35, hydrogen atom 2.5 * 10-11 difference is around 1024
Hydrogen atom 2.5 * 10-11, solar system 1013 difference is around 1024
better to find a mid point IMO.Lunct said:That would mean if you would enlarge an atom to the size of the observable universe, the Planck length would be equivalent to the size of around two hundred pinheads.
May be wrong